Everyone is guilty of it, (well not everyone, I have a colour-coded Google Docs spreadsheet, natch!) but last-minute Christmas shopping can often leave you with gifts that have an air of desperation about them.

Now that I’ve cleared that up, I can proceed with this Christmas Outfit Pick. This polo is a great find and the loud print is definitely eye-catching. I found it in Topman yesterday afternoon and it was reduced to £10 from £16. In the image, the polo looks black but it is actually blue and the print looks slightly bigger (as opposed to the foot-print looking print pictured!)

Whilst the appetite for formal dressing in menswear shows no sign of slacking, inevitably certain details start to look a bit tired. Thus it is with the bow tie. Whilst some can carry this off with aplomb (as the cover star of last month’s debut Buckmagazine showed) for others it was never going to be easy. There’s something novelty about the bow tie that risks looking too try-hard.

For AW08-09, Topman has created a video showcase of their latest collection- Block Heads. Model James Mclean poses in what Topman tells is a trend “inspired by the look of a Dickensian gypsy mixed with influences from the deep south.” We get a glimpse of what we will no doubt be wearing by Christmas and the video really projects what the look is all about- a poetic Grunge with not a slight hint of Luke Worrall.

“Bib front t-shirts are worn under a waistcoat and double breasted cardigans, topped off with a black padded donkey jacket for a military feel. Big accessories for this trend include a selection of trilby hats and scarves worn with tweed trainers or brogues.” Winter’s never looked so good!

More winter style solutions, this time with our definitive pick of winter scarves. A scarf is a great chance to add a splash of colour, pattern or texture to your outfit so be brave and pick something bold!
From left: University scarves are a great find on eBay, Paul Smith does a luxe silk-lined version for £110.

This gallery showcases some of the hottest street style looks I’ve seen in quite a while. Granted, some of the photography is a bit shifty (and the background of sun-washed Camden during the summer is enough to provoke resentment from most Brits,) but these looks are on-trend and rival a lot of professionally styled magazine editorials.

Brandish loves street style and there will definitely be more to come in the next few months. Just prepare for rain drops on the camera lens.
Click on the image to start the gallery!

Check has undeniable appeal but right now it’s a little overexposed so stick to something with a little more longevity. Make like James Franco and go for gingham, it’s a little more dressed up than indie plaid and has classic appeal.

I’m currently sitting in a small room in India with a fan spinning in an attempt to cool me down and a mosquito net blanketing the balcony door. I have to admit it’s pretty hard to imagine wearing trench coats right now. But, I’m a proud Brit and nothing is going to get in the way of my winter-wardrobe appreciation.

Antony Price worked for Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music in the ’80s as a stylist and was responsible for the Lou Reed ‘Transformer’ album cover. Pivotal in forming the louche, ultra sexy look that defined that period Price has also collaborated with David Bowie and Duran Duran. He currently works on made-to-measure as well as Daphne Guinness’ line of shirts.

American Apparel, the brand synonymous with androgyny and men in skintight jeans, has just launched their Unisex Oxford Shirt. I have three sisters and I’m no stranger to borrowing the odd jumper (actually, that would be reclaiming,) and I have in past borrowed Ralph Lauren shirts and vintage blazers for a better fit and a slimmer silhouette. Russell Brand, a man who walks on to a talk-show in a jersey tunic dress and girl’s jeans from Topshop but still manages to be a sex god, would be a great example of unisex dressing at its best but what do you think? Is it worth the sartorial risk when you might see a girl in the same tee as you?

With a new of series of Heroes about to begin, the unfortunate death of Yves Saint Laurent and the number of Clark Kent-y characters about in the most recent blockbusters, my style radar is tuned to the male who’s more gauche, awkward and geeky in the best way possible. Think of 1970s art students carrying open sketchbooks around Paris, Isaac Mendez of Heroes lounging around his studio in over-sized chinos and Marc Jacobs around his grunge era (which means big glasses, baggy jumpers and lots of corduroy.) I took a risk with mixing the denim shirt with dark jeans but the two items together are a wearable look that anyone can pull off.

Check out the product details after the jump and see how geeky you can get this winter- Argyle jumper anyone?

Just last week, Brandish editor Isabelle asked the general fashion public if the waistcoat could ever be worn well. We were subjected to the torture of Boyzone (whose waistcoat crimes can also be seen here,) and then buttered up with stories of white waffle and petrol blue. Now, I’ve created an outfit out of an All Saints waistcoat and looked to Frank Sinatra for tailoring inspiration.